Socio-health intervention strategy for the control of periodontal disease in pregnant women
Keywords:
periodontal disease, pregnancy, preterm birth, social health strategyAbstract
Introduction: Preterm birth is a common complication in maternal-fetal medicine and is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and the second leading cause in children under five years old. Periodontal disease can have significant negative effects during pregnancy, among which preterm birth and low birth weight stand out.
Objective: To implement a social-health intervention strategy for the control of periodontal disease in pregnant women and the consequent reduction in the incidence of preterm birth.
Methods: An exploratory study was conducted using a mixed approach: qualitative and quantitative, organized in different stages, in the municipality of Santa Cruz del Sur. The universe consisted of 661 pregnant women who were recruited and evaluated in the first level of care in General Comprehensive Dentistry or another specialty and who were initially recruited by the Family Doctor from the different Health Areas of the municipality of Santa Cruz del Sur.
Results: Of the 134 pregnant women who underwent a dental diagnosis for periodontal disease, 11 of them (8.2%) experienced childbirth before 37 weeks. The study shows that preterm birth was more frequent between 34 and 36.6 weeks of gestation, with a birth weight between 1900 and 2500 grams.
Conclusions: The socio-health intervention strategy is a useful tool in educating and training pregnant women for the management of periodontal disease and in highlighting the importance of incorporating oral health into the prenatal care program.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Alain Ramírez López, José Eduardo Vera Rodríguez, Yadiana Estrada Mirabal

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